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The second presidential debate saw six candidates in attendance, with only two missing the forum.
Six candidates sparred over visions and solutions for Kenyan football in Kenya’s second Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential debate.
This spirited session took place in Nairobi, drawing attention not only for its fiery exchanges but also for the opportunity each candidate had to share their goals ahead of the upcoming elections.
The participants included Tom Alila, Sam Ocholla, Barry Otieno, Sammy 'Kempes' Owino, Cleophas Shimanyula, and Hussein Mohammed—whose absence at the first debate a little over 10 days ago, left many surprised.
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13:14 - 04.11.2024
'If not for my mother…'-Barry Otieno’s heartfelt story of family, determination & dream for Kenyan football
Former FKF CEO Barry Otieno reflects on his journey shaped by his mother’s sacrifices and his vision to advance Kenyan football, despite challenges and a commitment to unity in the sport.
Missing in action this time around were current FKF Vice President Doris Petra, marking her second consecutive absence, and Chris Amimo, the Ligi Ndogo chairman who had attended the first debate.
The night’s agenda was packed, as candidates outlined their strategies for addressing the deep-rooted issues in Kenyan football.
Tackling governance head-on, Tom Alila reiterated his commitment to amend the FKF constitution, saying it’s “not rocket science” and pointing to “governance as the biggest issue that affects Kenyan football.” In a similar vein, Chris Amimo had expressed his goal of reshaping the FKF constitution to “incorporate schools as key members,” which he believes is crucial for grassroots growth.
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06:30 - 08.10.2024
Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula vows to change four key things if elected FKF President
Shimanyula is one of seven candidates who have thrown his hat in the ring for the position of FKF President.
A highlight of the night came when Murang’a Seal Vice Chairman Hussein Mohammed and Barry Otieno, a recent FKF Chief Executive, exchanged intense barbs.
Asked about corporate sponsorship, Mohammed pointed to his experience with the Super Eight grassroots tournament, which he said became “the first to be sponsored by Safaricom” and gave birth to events like “Chapa Dimba and Sakata.”
Otieno countered, claiming SportPesa’s exit from the tournament sponsorship was due to “reasons best known to people.” Visibly irritated, Mohammed retorted that the debate platform “should not be used for falsehoods” and dared Otieno to reveal the termination contract details, emphasizing that he felt “privileged” to finally confront “the ills of FKF” in an open forum.
In a pointed follow-up, Otieno said he was “surprised” that Mohammed would wear betting-sponsored clothing despite being Muslim.
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05:20 - 05.11.2024
Opinion: It is a shame hooliganism in Kenyan football still exists in 2024
There were a few cases of hooliganism last weekend after Gor Mahia drew with Murang'a Seal and AFC Leopards were humbled by Ulinzi Stars, with a section of fans attacking coaches at full time.
Otieno also found himself defending his track record, particularly regarding the CAF ban over allegations that he tore COVID-19 test documents before Kenya’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Comoros.
He clarified, “I never tore any COVID results. The issue is we were playing away in Comoros…by regulation, if a player was found positive for COVID, you were supposed to be given an alternative hospital to test. That is what I asked for.”
When it came to match-fixing—a critical issue for Kenyan football—a female fan raised concerns, specifically about Cleophas Shimanyula’s Kakamega Homeboyz.
Shimanyula didn’t mince words, asserting, “I was the whistleblower…FIFA took it up, involving the coach and other players.” He shot back at his accuser, suspecting “someone” sent her to ask that question and firmly denied any involvement in fixing, while branding a rival as an “international gambler.”
Shimanyula also vowed to "get rid of all corrupt crooks if elected" in efforts to curb match fixing in the country.
Shimanyula didn’t stop there, accusing current FKF Vice President Doris Petra and Nick Mwendwa of manipulating election outcomes through their positions at Kandanda House. Other candidates, like Mohammed, Alila, and Ocholla, echoed doubts over the FKF electoral board’s neutrality.
Sammy 'Kempes' Owino questioned the integrity of barring certain members from the electoral process, while Ocholla aimed a jab at Otieno, accusing him of overseeing voter registration before stepping down to run for president.
Otieno defended himself, saying he didn’t hold sufficient power to influence delegate eligibility, adding that the board’s code was passed “unanimously” during a Special General Meeting.
Former Harambee Stars striker Boniface Ambani, a spectator, took the opportunity to challenge Shimanyula and Ocholla on their club contract negotiations.
Both assured the crowd of the transparency in their contracts for Gor Mahia and Kakamega Homeboyz players. Addressing referee payments, Shimanyula claimed officials hadn’t been paid in three years—a statement Otieno refuted, stressing, “All arguments had to be made with facts.”
As the debate concluded, one thing was clear—candidates are willing to go to great lengths to secure the top spot. From intense personal rivalries to passionate pledges for reform, Kenyan football’s next chapter hangs in the balance as the December election draws near.
For fans, stakeholders, and players alike, the hope is that this spirited debate will lead to genuine reform and a brighter future for the sport in Kenya.
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